Frequently asked questions
Does thermography replace mammography?
Thermography was approved by the FDA in 1982 as an adjunctive screening method for breast cancer, meaning it is most helpful when combined with other detection methods like ultrasound and mammography.
What is included in the price of the service?
You will receive a comprehensive screening including thermographic imaging of all areas you’ve chosen; interpretation of those images by a three-tiered panel of doctors certified in thermology at Breast Thermography International; and a copy of your report, detailing any findings and recommendations. It is highly recommended that you go over your report with your preferred care provider before scheduling this phone consultation appointment. If your preferred care provider is unfamiliar with the science of thermology, you can make a phone appointment with one of the interpreting doctors. This incurs an additional fee, but it is well worth it if you have questions.
What if I have questions about the findings in my report?
For an additional fee you may elect to have a follow-up phone consultation with one of the certifed thermologist interpreters. The value of this cannot be overstated, as most medical doctors are not educated about thermography, so they are not equipped to address issues that might arise from your report findings.
If you are a doctor and would like information on how to become better educated in the science of thermology, please email us at info@austintherm.com.
What do I need to do before my appointment?
At least 3 days before your appointment, fill out the patient intake form here. Be as specific and detailed as you can.
1 Month Prior:
- No minor breast surgery, i.e. biopsy
1 Week Prior:
- Be cautious of too much sun exposure in order to avoid sunburn. Scans will have to be rescheduled if the patient has a sunburn of any sort.
48 Hours Prior:
- Men with beards should shave their face and neck, as well as backs.
- Avoid all tanning and limit sun exposure.
24 Hours Prior:
- Avoid chiropractic care, massage therapy or acupuncture.
- No saunas, steam baths, hot tubs, heating pads, or hot water bottles.
- No analgesic creams or balms.
- Do not shave underarms. (Should be done prior.)
- Reschedule if you experience a significant fever.
- Refrain from sexual activity.
Day of Exam:
- For best results, please wear thong underwear or a jock strap for full body studies. Underwear is optional and best results are without.
- Do not use creams, lotions, cosmetics, ointments, deodorant, antiperspirants, powders or any other skin product.
- Please bring a hair tie to remove hair from your forehead and back of neck.
- Remove all piercings and jewelry prior to exam, unless unable to.
4 Hours Prior:
- Avoid hot showers or shaving.
- Avoid physical therapy or exercise.
- No coffee, tea, soda, or other beverages containing caffeine. No alcoholic beverages.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or use any product which contains nicotine
* Women - if possible, do not wear a bra for the 4 hours leading up to the exam *
2 Hours Before the Exam:
- Avoid hot or cold liquids
- Avoid eating or chewing gum
- Avoid using a cell phone
Does my insurance cover thermography?
While most insurance companies do not currently cover thermography, flex spending and health savings accounts may cover the costs. Payment is collected before the time of service.
How will my appointment go?
At the time of your appointment, you’ll be ushered into a private area (where you’ll remain for the entirety of the screening) and asked to remove any clothing covering the areas chosen for screening. After a short interval to allow your skin temperature to acclimate, our no-contact, no-radiation infrared thermographic camera will capture images which are immediately sent to our three-tiered panel of doctors licensed in thermologic interpretation. When your report is complete (in 7-10 days), you’ll receive a notification email that your report is ready. If you've chosen to have your report sent on to your managing doctor, you should then make an appointment with him or her to discuss the findings. The importance of going over your report with a doctor educated in thermology cannot be overemphasized. If your doctor is not, you can make an appointment with a PACT certified thermologist at www.thermographicwellness.com.
If you followed the instruction to sign the release form, your report will be mailed to you.
How and when will I get my report?
At your appointment, you'll have the option to choose the delivery method for your results: email or USPS delivery. If you've opted for email, one to two weeks after your screening when your report has passed through the three-tier interpretation system of Breast Thermography International, you'll receive your report in .pdf format. If you've opted for USPS delivery, you'll receive your report in paper form by mail.
It is highly recommended that you speak with a doctor regarding the thermologic findings in your report. The importance of going over your report with a doctor educated in the field of thermology cannot be overemphasized. If your doctor is not familiar with thermography, you can make a phone appointment with a certified thermologist at thermographicwellness.com.
